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A job interview can really test our nerves. Yes, doing your homework and rehearsing our standout performance can help, but while we can maximize our chances, we can't prepare for everything.

"About 80% of interview questions are usually predictable, but there's always going to be that one oddball question," career coach Emily Liou said.

And nothing illustrates this better than one recent Twitter thread — it started when Amy Brown from California, seeking moral comfort, asked other users to share their worst job interview stories. Turns out, it was all they needed. Recruiters and applicants alike immediately started describing the trainwrecks they were a part of.

More info: Twitter

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Job interview and career coach Margaret Buj, who has helped thousands of people around the world get hired or promoted, thinks that apart from doing thorough company research and spending some time thinking about how your experience and skills match the requirements of the role, standing out in job interviews is actually pretty simple.

"Always back up your answers with examples, quantify your answers as much as you can and make sure you have a few examples prepared of what you've done in your current/previous job that would benefit the employer you’re interviewing with," Margaret told Bored Panda.

"If there is one thing most of my clients have in common is that they struggle with answering competency or behavioral interview questions during job interviews," Margaret explained. "The questions will start with 'Tell me about a time…' or 'Describe a situation…' and then you might be encouraged to elaborate further with questions like 'So, what were you thinking at that point?' or 'What was your decision-making process?' The interviewer will try to establish what benefits you will bring to the company and why the benefits you offer might be more appealing than those of other candidates."

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chi-wei shen
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Social media is one of the greatest dangers for the future of young people. Some experience this immediately, others only in many years, when someone digs up something old from Twitter.

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A survey done by researchers at Everest College found that 9 in 10 employed adults fear at least one thing about the job interview process.

Ironically, many are worried that they'll come across as nervous. 17% of respondents stated having the jitters as their top concern, followed by being overqualified for the job (15%), being stumped by the employer's questions (15%), being late for the interview (14%), being underqualified (11%), and not being prepared (10%).

"For so many, the job interview can be a high-pressure, make-or-break event when searching for a job, so it's only natural that anxiety can play a major factor," survey spokesman John Swartz, regional director of career services at Everest College, said. "Everyone is different when coping under the pressure, but the best advice to help manage job interview fear is to simply be prepared. Conducting research, anticipating questions, and acting professionally are staples that will stand the test of time, regardless of the latest job interview trends."

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Yvonne Dauwalder Balsiger
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

An immaculate implementation of Murphy's law... This is both absolutely hilarious and fuel for my worst nightmares 😂😱

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Luckily, Jody Michael, the CEO & Founder of Jody Michael Associates, a company that specializes in executive coaching, leadership development and career coaching, said there's an effective way to overcome these anxieties, one that she practiced personally when she worked in the corporate world and has been coaching her clients to do the same for over than 20 years.

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"My advice is to prepare for your interview just like you prepared for your multiplication quizzes when you were a kid: with flashcards," Michael wrote. "Get a pack of five-by-seven lined index cards. On the blank side, write down the interview question. On the lined side, write your answer — how you would speak it, not like you're writing a paper."

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Monday
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"Uh...right...okay. Well Math, can you tell us about your proposal?"

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Peppy Piplup
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This one physically hurts me. Why would they think that a real Irish accent is fake???

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Michael suggests starting with the most common interview question: "Tell me about yourself." But also include obscure ones like, "What book are you reading right now?" that recruiters might use to throw you off. If you need inspiration, you can look for questions online, or think back to the previous interviews you've had. 

"Your deck should include anywhere from 50 to 100 questions with varying difficulty," Michael said. "Once you have the cards written, practice speaking the answers out loud. Include keywords that will help remind you of the answers."

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Got Myself 4 Dwarves
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My husband does interviews all the time for new staff and I’m always giving him crap for expecting some b******t about wanting to be part of *insert retail shop here* and all that crap. They want to be paid, they want to earn money and where he works pays decent wages (my 16yr old worked there and was getting £9 an hour when her mates were working elsewhere getting about £6) - that is a perfectly acceptable reason and should be accepted as such. Paying a decent wage brings a lot more loyalty than some fake work culture nonsense.

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The good thing about creating these flashcards is that the process doubles as a self-reflection exercise to help you understand who you are and how you want to communicate that to others.

Your answers will help clarify these questions for the interviewer:

• What is your value?

• How can you contribute to the company?

• How well do you fit into the company’s culture?

• Are you competent in what you say?

• Are you trustworthy?

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Peppy Piplup
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is (sadly) the second time I've had to say this in this article but: fellas, is it unprofessional to be hydrated?

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"In addition to being prepared for your interview, reviewing proper interview etiquette rules can help alleviate stress," Michael said.

Read the email the company sent you with details about your interview, and then reread it again.

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"My coaching clients get a very detailed email that includes information about how to enter the office and where to have a seat. Just last week, a client who admittedly did not read the email, barged in on me during a session with another client. You certainly don’t want to seem like someone who cannot follow instructions at the interview. Also, this may sound obvious, but arrive at the interview early. Very early. You never know what can happen with traffic or public transportation, so plan ahead."

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chi-wei shen
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

There is always a right time for jokes, but a job interview usually is not that time.

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survey done by CareerBuilder revealed that we need to work on our body language too. When asked to identify the biggest body language mistakes job seekers make during an interview, hiring managers named the following:

  • Failure to make eye contact: 68 percent
  • Failure to smile: 38 percent
  • Playing with something on the table: 36 percent
  • Fidgeting too much in his/her seat: 32 percent
  • Bad posture: 31 percent
  • Crossing their arms over their chest: 31 percent
  • Playing with hair or touching one's face: 26 percent
  • Handshake that is too weak: 22 percent
  • Using too many hand gestures: 13 percent
  • Handshake is too strong: 8 percent
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Vasana Phong
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I would’ve left, came back in the next day to start my new job position ( remember you said I got the position before you fell asleep?)

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Snorkeldorf
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You answered correctly. To assume that all 4 walls are the same color would be incorrect if you hadn't actually seen the wall on your way in. I would have given you extra points for that answer.

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Momma Panda
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

She probably was, so she is seeking comfort in people who are the same as she is 😉

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"Before the interview begins, perform deep diaphragmatic breathing. This is, in my experience, the fastest way to slow your body’s physiological response to stress," Michael said.

"Breathe in through your nose, concentrating on filling your belly with air like a balloon. Hold your breath for a count of two seconds, and then, exhale slowly through your mouth until your belly flattens. Breaths should be at a ratio of 1:2, with exhales about twice as long as inhales. Try counting to four as you inhale, hold for the count of two, and then exhale to the count of eight. You can easily do this undercover while you are sitting in the lobby."

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Kivebo
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2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

“I could use it to hit myself and still feel less pain than in this interview.”

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Paddling Panda
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Mt first thought was, "I would throw them at people", so you're not alone.. ;-)

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Mattewis88
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2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's actually a fairly common question in interviews where the job requires creativity. Id personally see the question as a way of testing someone's destructive tendencies.

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Kivebo
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2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Unless the job was in construction. In that environment people value using bricks in non-creative ways.

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ohjojo
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Actually, I go take the brick for a walk. Let's go All of us. Let's go talk about all the things we see on a walk with the brick.

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zak
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Without hesitation, I would just smile and say "No, thank you. Next question?".

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Thorfin Wolfsbane
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I could grind it into powder and mix it in my enemies drink and make them drink it.

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Paul Stevenson
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Build a house, build 2 houses, build 3 houses, build 4 houses…. let me know when we get to 5 minutes… build 5 houses…

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Riley Quinn
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

First thing that flashed in my mind: Trevor Noah's favorite toy was a face brick. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_dxz_QvGLP4

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Ann Golub
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

the wording is ambiguous. List things for 5 minutes or list what things you could do for 5 minutes?

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Ryan Deschanel
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"I am mentally healthy, so... Nothing. Ah-ha! I passed your f****d-up anti-weirdo test."

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Dorothy Parker
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Measure it with my phalanges. See how far over the edge of the table it can go before falling. Put it under A table leg as a shim. Find a marker and draw dots on it like a domino.

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CL Rowan
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Deliver mail, open a window, page a client, fix a copier, call a meeting to order...the list goes on...

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Zoe Duddle
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Do they need to spend the next 5 minutes making a list or can they spend an unspecified amount of time listing ways bricks can keep you temporarily (for 5 mins) occupied?

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Andy Hinds
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'd loved to have said stove is skull in for five minutes.

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Sherbaan Naab
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That's actually a good question, depending on for what job you interview.

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Amy Beckler
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Kind of one anatomical impossibility had to present itself-silently-in your busy brain?

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Bryn Price
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I had one that was "sell me this pen" and it threw me off and I couldn't really think of anything, it's biro, you write with it. Then I saw "Wolf of Wall Street" and found the cheeky bastards were referencing the movie...

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Jennifer Popper
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

No, they probably weren't. That's a "classic" interview question. The translation of "classic", of course being, "soul sucking".

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Sarge's Heroes
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Depends on what kind of brick it is - I could use it as paper weight, or turn a profit. ^_^

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Alan Metcalfe
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Once heard of someone's granny say "I'd rather have my a**e scrapped with a brick".

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Mike Loux
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"I could beat you to death with it. I think that's enough, really."

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BookCrazyTeen
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My English teacher did that a couple weeks ago 😭 I could definitely tell I was one of the less creative ones. 😂

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Kim Shannon
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Throw it through your front window and get the hell out of here

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Courtney Lunsford
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is to test your creativity and ability to think outside the box..

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Lastly, when you get shocked by a question in an interview, it’s easy to freeze or stumble. But reaching for that glass of water they gave you instead. Use the time as you have a sip to calm your brain down. Just like that, you've just given yourself five to eight seconds to respond.

However, there's no guaranteed recipe to make all of your job interviews a success. There's always an element of chance. So if things do go south, at least tell the internet about it. That can be the only way to get something out of it, even it's just a few likes.

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ZAPanda
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I once told a guy "more linkedin and less instagram" when he sent me his cv.

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Buren
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Oh mam, I have twelve!! This is Locky, Fido, Peanut, Bella, Foxy,..

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